"You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl our iniquities into the depths of the sea."
Micah 7:19
Have you ever sorely regretted a sin you committed against someone? You apologized profusely, the wronged person assured your forgiveness, yet they kept bringing it up? Like a bandage that kept getting ripped off a wound, you could not heal. Sometimes, I'm glad humans have great memories; other times, not.
Close your eyes and imagine God grinding his heel into your sin, pulverizing all likes of it into the ground. Or he's standing on a high cliff over a raging sea holding all your regrets in a black bag. With all his might, he chucks it into the sea as far as he can! Do you think he's interested in seeing if it floats to the surface so he can reopen it and rummage through all your stuff? No.
God sent his beloved Son into the world to forgive sins, not to condemn us. He does not want anyone to perish. He is loving, patient and compassionate.
If you have something you just cannot forgive yourself for, put it into the baggage, stand beside the God of the universe and chuck it as far as you can! Then the two of you can get on with life, reconciled, redeemed and renewed.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
A Firm Foundation
"So, this is what the Sovereign Lord says, 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed."
Isaiah 28: 16
The old house in which I was raised is still there, silently standing on the shady street by the vacant elementary school. The kids are grown and gone, my father's in an assisted living facility; my mother remains there. It's a place dear to my heart with its spidery basement, creaky wood floors and screened back porch where we ate watermelon and squirted seeds at each other. Raised by Christian parents, this is where I felt safe and securely loved. Even after I moved out, I could always return for a warm reception, laughter and support. Like Scarlett O'Hara, I thought I drew my strength from the red earth of my Tara. As time changes things, I wonder how could I ever accept someone else living there someday?
A black and white photograph I have shows me at age three standing by the foundation of that house, ready for Sunday School with my offering envelope in hand and a large Bible tucked under my arm. As I pondered that photo, I came to realize that my true strength comes from the tested Cornerstone, Jesus Christ. Everything that I see is temporary; what is unseen is eternal so I place my trust on that tested Stone. I will never be dismayed.
Isaiah 28: 16
The old house in which I was raised is still there, silently standing on the shady street by the vacant elementary school. The kids are grown and gone, my father's in an assisted living facility; my mother remains there. It's a place dear to my heart with its spidery basement, creaky wood floors and screened back porch where we ate watermelon and squirted seeds at each other. Raised by Christian parents, this is where I felt safe and securely loved. Even after I moved out, I could always return for a warm reception, laughter and support. Like Scarlett O'Hara, I thought I drew my strength from the red earth of my Tara. As time changes things, I wonder how could I ever accept someone else living there someday?
A black and white photograph I have shows me at age three standing by the foundation of that house, ready for Sunday School with my offering envelope in hand and a large Bible tucked under my arm. As I pondered that photo, I came to realize that my true strength comes from the tested Cornerstone, Jesus Christ. Everything that I see is temporary; what is unseen is eternal so I place my trust on that tested Stone. I will never be dismayed.
The Faithful Presence
"When I awake, I am still with you."
Psalm 139:18
What if I woke up and God was missing? It would be like waking up to find my spouse has left me, or my child was not in her bed. Frantic panic and profound emptiness would quickly ensue as the realization dawned on me: "He's gone. I'm alone." Have you ever known that level of lonliness?
Here are the promises from our Divine Presence:
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." Genesis 28:15
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." Isaiah 43:2
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
God is faithful. He never changes so you can trust in him. Relax in his presence.
Psalm 139:18
What if I woke up and God was missing? It would be like waking up to find my spouse has left me, or my child was not in her bed. Frantic panic and profound emptiness would quickly ensue as the realization dawned on me: "He's gone. I'm alone." Have you ever known that level of lonliness?
Here are the promises from our Divine Presence:
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." Genesis 28:15
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." Isaiah 43:2
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
God is faithful. He never changes so you can trust in him. Relax in his presence.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Use Quality Materials
"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Christ Jesus. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because The Day will bring it to light."
1 Corinthians 3: 11-13
We all have been given the same foundation on which to build, that of the precious Lamb of God. What materials will you use? Gold or straw?
In this world, only what is done for Christ will last. If I tithe ten percent of my time and money, if I devote daily time toward reading the Bible and prayer, if I confess my sins, share the gospel and act with hospitality, generosity and love - these are the golden materials.
Why would I choose anything of lesser, flimsy quality?
1 Corinthians 3: 11-13
We all have been given the same foundation on which to build, that of the precious Lamb of God. What materials will you use? Gold or straw?
In this world, only what is done for Christ will last. If I tithe ten percent of my time and money, if I devote daily time toward reading the Bible and prayer, if I confess my sins, share the gospel and act with hospitality, generosity and love - these are the golden materials.
Why would I choose anything of lesser, flimsy quality?
Do the Right Thing
"Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong." Exodus 23:2
"Stop doing wrong, learn to do right." Isaiah 1:16
"Never tire of doing what is right." 2 Thessalonians 3:13
"The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart." Psalm 19:8
Doing the right thing is a conscious choice. It may not come naturally, and it may be a very difficult thing to do at times, especially if everyone else chooses a different path.
Recently, I had a decision to make. In trying to receive benefits from a governmental office to help my parents, it was surreptitiously suggested by someone that I hide some of their assets. If I had sent the request through as is, I ran the risk of not receiving the benefits. After reading the above verses, the answer was very clear: send the application honestly and let God do as He sees fit. This brings joy to my heart!
When constructing anything, right angles are necessary or the whole project will go awry! Do the right thing and God will bless your efforts.
"Stop doing wrong, learn to do right." Isaiah 1:16
"Never tire of doing what is right." 2 Thessalonians 3:13
"The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart." Psalm 19:8
Doing the right thing is a conscious choice. It may not come naturally, and it may be a very difficult thing to do at times, especially if everyone else chooses a different path.
Recently, I had a decision to make. In trying to receive benefits from a governmental office to help my parents, it was surreptitiously suggested by someone that I hide some of their assets. If I had sent the request through as is, I ran the risk of not receiving the benefits. After reading the above verses, the answer was very clear: send the application honestly and let God do as He sees fit. This brings joy to my heart!
When constructing anything, right angles are necessary or the whole project will go awry! Do the right thing and God will bless your efforts.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Why Search for Jesus?
"Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus."
John 6:24
What motivates me to search for Jesus? Some of the people in the Gospel of John wanted Jesus to be their earthly king, to provide food, to demonstrate power and to bring Rome under their feet.
Do I seek Jesus for these reasons, knowing He is the omnipotent King of all? While that is surely a benefit beyond all measure, I'd like to say I seek Jesus for completeness. Without Him, I've a void that aches and I have dark red sin stains which weigh me down. Jesus gives me peace that passes all understanding, joy that exceeds happiness and hope for a future that He mandates.
"I am trusting thee, Lord Jesus, trusting only thee.
Trusting thee for full salvation, rich and free."
John 6:24
What motivates me to search for Jesus? Some of the people in the Gospel of John wanted Jesus to be their earthly king, to provide food, to demonstrate power and to bring Rome under their feet.
Do I seek Jesus for these reasons, knowing He is the omnipotent King of all? While that is surely a benefit beyond all measure, I'd like to say I seek Jesus for completeness. Without Him, I've a void that aches and I have dark red sin stains which weigh me down. Jesus gives me peace that passes all understanding, joy that exceeds happiness and hope for a future that He mandates.
"I am trusting thee, Lord Jesus, trusting only thee.
Trusting thee for full salvation, rich and free."
Love One Another
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13: 34 & 35
"As I have loved you." There's the heart of it all! I am to love others in the same way that Jesus loves me - and just how is that? He washes my feet, he does not condemn me, he forgives me 70 times 7, he does not cast the first stone, he laid down his life for me. What a tall order! Yet it is a command. Why is it so important that Jesus insists upon it?
As he explains in the next verse: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." It is like a brand name on the back of my jeans, or like an accent or a distinguishing feature so that all the world may recognize me as a Christian. If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (see 1 Corinthians 13)
I read an article in the paper the other day entitled "Deadly Start to Holy Month in Iraq." In the Muslim world, Ramadan is meant to be a month set aside for spiritual growth and generosity. According to the article, it is "shaping up to be the deadliest in Iraq." Just seven days into Ramadan, one hundred sixty-nine Iraqis have been killed as suicide attacks and car bombings widely spread chaos and fear. Folks have been killed while playing a game, swimming with friends, shopping for festive dinners or coming home from prayers.
As a Christian, may I remember the words of Jesus and strive to be a part of the solution to the problems in this world. The best place to start is to love one another. After all, I see what happens in a religion that has not love.
John 13: 34 & 35
"As I have loved you." There's the heart of it all! I am to love others in the same way that Jesus loves me - and just how is that? He washes my feet, he does not condemn me, he forgives me 70 times 7, he does not cast the first stone, he laid down his life for me. What a tall order! Yet it is a command. Why is it so important that Jesus insists upon it?
As he explains in the next verse: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." It is like a brand name on the back of my jeans, or like an accent or a distinguishing feature so that all the world may recognize me as a Christian. If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (see 1 Corinthians 13)
I read an article in the paper the other day entitled "Deadly Start to Holy Month in Iraq." In the Muslim world, Ramadan is meant to be a month set aside for spiritual growth and generosity. According to the article, it is "shaping up to be the deadliest in Iraq." Just seven days into Ramadan, one hundred sixty-nine Iraqis have been killed as suicide attacks and car bombings widely spread chaos and fear. Folks have been killed while playing a game, swimming with friends, shopping for festive dinners or coming home from prayers.
As a Christian, may I remember the words of Jesus and strive to be a part of the solution to the problems in this world. The best place to start is to love one another. After all, I see what happens in a religion that has not love.
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